The innovation by Ghanaian entrepreneur, Bright Simons to detect fake drugs gets a major boost as one of the world’s leading IT companies, Hewlett Packard develops its technology and security infrastructure.

The innovation known as mPedigree uses the text message system of the mobile phone to help consumers check if the drug they are buying is fake or genuine.

The system assigns a unique code to genuine drugs, printed on the back of medicine blister packs under a sheet that is scratched off.

When a customer sends a text message to a short code, an instant “OK” response is received indicating if the drug is registered and thus real. It also sends additional information like the drug’s manufacturer and expiry date.

If the drug is not registered and potentially fake, people receive a text message that says “No. Please recheck code.” The system is free for consumers and is paid for by pharmaceutical companies and governments.

Bright Simons told ghanabusinessnews.com that HP’s involvement with mPedigree “underscores the world class calibre of the programme.” Adding “HP is the world’s largest telecom company with the largest technology in health and they are widely trusted by the pharmaceutical industry.”

He believes that HP’s extensive track record in authentication is a plus for mPedigree.

The Nigerian government has already decided to use the technology on all medicines in the country. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have all expressed interest in using the technology.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi


http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2010/08/23/hp’s-technology-boosts-ghanaian-innovation-in-fake-drug-detection/



Ok, I have an idea. Give us Innoson Auto Plant and we'd give you mPedigree. Heck we'll even throw in free China phones.

Cue Gbawe 1, 2, 3,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE7Ny7gdAwE

mPedigree : Bright Simons Reveals An Innovation to Expose Counterfeit Medicine

Over 2 000 people die everyday around the world from substandard & counterfeit medicine. In Africa, selling fake medication has become BIG business. An estimated 1/3 of the total trade of pharmaceuticals in Africa is believed to be counterfeit. This critical problem led Bright Simons to invent mPedigree.Established in Ghana in 2007, MPedigree created an "Electronic Resource System" for Africa's under-resourced health sector.Through basic text messaging using MPedigree's unique mobile phone platform, consumers have the ability to query the origin of their medicines and to establish whether it is genuine or potentially a dangerous imitation.